Rigorous Kinetic Models and Reactor Models Integration
Conversion units in refineries and chemical plants are often complex due to their unpredictable nonlinear behavior. AVEVA's rigorous kinetics-based models, combined with Process Optimization's open equation-based platform, data-reconciliation, and auto-tuning functions, provide an up-to-date representation or digital twin of conversion units. This integration enables better control, operation, and optimization of these critical units, revolutionizing the possibilities of reactor models.
Real-time Optimization with Reactor Models
AVEVA's Reactor Models serve as digital twins for reactor unit operations in refineries and petrochemical plants. This allows for real-time optimization (RTO) of these units, including trains of connected reactor units or even entire refineries. The integrated RTO can lead to significant benefits, such as $0.10 to $0.20 per barrel in Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units. By leveraging RTO on a broader scale, combined units can achieve greater benefits through global optimization.
Linear Programming (LP) Update for Refinery Planners
The challenge of updating LP vectors to reflect fluctuating feed and operating conditions in refineries is addressed by AVEVA's LP Update Manager. By using rigorously tuned reactor models with plant and lab data, planners can generate yield data transformed into LP vector format. The intuitive interface of the LP Update Manager simplifies the process, allowing for the construction of mappings and the generation of new LP vectors from up-to-date reactor models, ensuring the planning model mirrors the actual plant conditions.
Enhanced Performance Monitoring with Reactor Models
Maintaining catalyst activity and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) in reactor units is crucial for operational efficiency. AVEVA's reactor models, combined with auto-tuning capabilities, facilitate real-time update and monitoring of catalyst activity, product selectivities, and other reactor-related KPIs. Moreover, KPI trends for other equipment like column efficiencies and compressor efficiencies can be evaluated. These insights empower operational and maintenance teams to make informed decisions on optimal operating conditions, maintenance schedules, and catalyst strategies.
Offline Engineering and Simulation with Reactor Models
The use of rigorously tuned reactor models based on current plant and lab data offers valuable insights to process engineers. With up-to-date reactor models, engineers can conduct process simulations, debottlenecking analyses, what-if scenarios, and offline optimizations with confidence. These models provide a comprehensive understanding of reactor behavior, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.